Netflix announces AI hiring, remains unfazed by industry strikes

Streaming giant Netflix is looking for experts with artificial intelligence (AI) despite a two-week-old industry strike.

According to one job listing, Netflix is seeking a technical director for AI and Machine learning (ML) technologies in its attempts to build games for the platform. Netflix’s ideal candidate for the role is expected to identify opportunities to integrate AI in game development.

“This person will also be asked to represent the team and projects as a whole and eventually build a more complete team to eventually ship a game based on early discoveries of novel prototypes that show big opportunity,” the listing read.

In a separate post, the streaming giant announced its search for a Product Manager for its machine learning platform. Netflix seeks an individual with a solid technical background in engineering and machine learning, with compensation for the role going as high as $900,000 annually.

Per the listings, both roles do not require a college degree while adopting a hybrid system for working on-site or remotely.

Netflix has confirmed plans to integrate AI into its streaming platform, joining the wave of global companies hopping on the trend.

“With more than 230 million members in over 190 countries, Netflix continues to shape the future of entertainment around the world,” Netflix stated. “Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence is powering innovation, from personalization for members, to optimizing our payment processing and other revenue-focused initiatives.”

Netflix’s AI hiring spree is coming in the wake of an industry-wide strike by screenwriters and actors following a breakdown in negotiation with major motion picture studios. SAG-AFTRA, a labor union representing over 160,000 industry players, is calling for increased compensation and safeguards surrounding the use of generative AI in the industry.

“The entire business model has been changed by streaming, digital and AI,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed. “We are all going to be in jeopardy of being replaced by machines and big business, [which] cares more about Wall Street than you and your family.”

Generative AI opens a can of worms

Experts argue that the rise of generative AI platforms puts the creative sectors at grave risk. In early 2023, AI-generated songs flooded streaming platforms forcing Universal Music to order Spotify to take down AI songs in violation of its copyrights.

AI-generated art has also come under fire over alleged intellectual property (IP) violations and their potential to spread misinformation. Given the risks, several tech companies like Samsung (NASDAQ: SSNLF) and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) have restricted their employees from using generative AI platforms over fears of a data leak.

Researchers in mass media, Web3, education, finance, and health sectors have highlighted the dangers of generative AI.

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